security Archives - Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress

How to Improve the Security of Your Website

millermedia — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:21:55 +0000

It is important for businesses to protect their website and data from unauthorized access or attack. Cyberattacks can cause both financial and reputational damage, especially businesses that aren’t prepared or equipped to bounce back. This was particularly noticeable during the pandemic. According to Verizon, 43% of data breaches involve small and medium businesses and 83% are not financially prepared to recover from a cyberattack. These businesses don’t have the same resources as larger companies to build out comprehensive cybersecurity, but that doesn’t mean that the only option should be to settle for vulnerabilities. Here are a few effective ways to build the defense of your website:

Always Install Updates

When vendors release updates, it is usually to fix vulnerabilities that they have discovered. The race against the clock makes it critical to regularly check for updates for your operating systems, especially if your website is built in a CMS such as WordPress. Additionally, check for updates for themes, templates, and plugins. Cybercriminals like to target free plugins and templates to plant a virus or steal sensitive user data.

Safeguard Passwords & Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Hackers like to use a tactic called brute-forcing, where they attempt to gain access to your accounts by rapidly trying thousands of possible passwords. Create a strong password for your backend and anywhere that has important or confidential information (such as credit card numbers, client info, etc.). Password managers are great tools that encrypt and store each of your passwords, allowing you to easily access them across all your devices. They also usually notify you when you need to change a password and will help you generate a strong password to replace it. Add an extra layer of protection by using a multi-factor authentication (MFA). It will require two or more factors of authentication to access a system, this might include, passwords, PINs, facial or voice recognition, fingerprints, or phone notifications.

Use Trusted Antivirus Software

Antivirus software will protect your website against a variety of threats. They are created to proactively block, detect, and remove cyberthreats like viruses, malware, and ransomware before they can cause any harm. A comprehensive package should also include anti-spam and anti-phishing protection, a firewall, and browsing protection. There are many software packages available in the app store. If you are having trouble determining which software is compatible with your website, consider consulting a professional agency that regularly maintains websites.

Invest in Professional Services

Maintaining a website is a full-time job. It can be overwhelming making sure your website is running smoothly and that it well-protected, especially if you’re busy running your business. Make sure to create a budget that you can use to hire a professional web agency. Look for agencies that offer web maintenance. If your website is not built yet or you have one that is outdated, look for an agency that offers design and development services. The professionals know how to keep your website updated and safe as well as can monitor your website, so you don’t have to. This leaves you to focus on other areas of your business without stressing over your website.

Need help improving the security of your website? Call 248.528.3600.

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Domain Listings Billing Scam

millermedia — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:06:08 +0000

SCAM ALERT! A company named “Domain Listings” (domain-listings.org) is sending out misleading “Annual Website Domain Listing” invoices to domain name owners via postal/paper mail. Look at the red circled area on the photo provided. These are not real bills. This bill has nothing to do with your domain name registration or services with Miller Media. They are trying to sell you a “listing on an internet directory”, but that service is useless. You DO NOT have to pay for basic search engine listings in Google, Bing, or any other reputable search engine.

How did the scammers get your postal address? They got your address from public records, or a “contact” form you put in on your website. We absolutely DO NOT share your address with them. We have also received fake notices and are taking the time to alert everyone now.

What should you do if you did receive this fake invoice? First and most important DO NOT pay this fake company or any company that sends you an unsolicited invoice for search engine services. Secondly, pass the warning on to your accounting department or person in charge of your invoices to sure they are aware that it is fake. Finally, if you are in the United States, file a complaint with the FTC and/or your state’s Attorney’s General.

Question? Call 248.528.3600

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How an SSL Certificate Helps Boosts SEO Rankings

millermedia — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:04:09 +0000

Is your website ranking on Google SERPs? If not, it is time to evaluate your SEO strategy and web security. Shifting from HTTP to HTTPS with an SSL certificate has been heavily endorsed by Google in an effort to create a better customer experience. Google’s Gary Illyes claims that HTTPS can act as a tiebreaker in search engine results. Websites with an SSL certificate are better protected and increase their ranking exponentially. Cloudtec observed their business keywords in the top 10 once they switched to HTTPS. Their study included business keywords, social media shares, page visibility, etc., and concluded in a 7% increase in website ranking.

Here are some SSL Certificates that can help boost your website’s SEO ranking:

RapidSSL
GeoTrust True BusinessID
GeoTrust True BusinessID with EV
Sectigo PositiveSSL Certificate
InstantSSL (OV)

Build a website that includes an SSL certificate! Call 248.528.3600

The post How an SSL Certificate Helps Boosts SEO Rankings appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

Why Google is forcing you to have an SSL Certificate on your website

millermedia — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 14:40:06 +0000

SSL Certificates – Why HTTPS Matters – Why Google is forcing you to have an SSL Certificate.

Don’t have an SSL Certificate?

Google is going to flag your website this year!

We turn to the internet for everything. From selling to buying, it is the introduction of an E-world. With this dominating trend, online security has become a necessity.

Undoubtedly, Google loves its users and therefore, is coming up with every possible way to make us feel secure here on the internet. With its recent announcement, earlier this year, Google will flag all the unencrypted internet by the end of 2017.

Google will flag 2/3rd of the web as unsafe. This means if your website doesn’t have an SSL certificate, it will display a ‘Not Secure’ in the URL bar. * See example below

*Contact your hosting provider to secure an SSL certificate.

SaveSave

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